The Perfect Boil Time for Smoky & Succulent Smoked Turkey Tails

Smoked turkey tails are a underrated and often overlooked cut of meat that can add incredible depth of flavor and texture to soups, stews, beans, greens, and more when prepared properly. But nailing the ideal boil time is crucial to bringing out their best qualities. Undercook them and you’ll end up with tough, chewy meat. Boil them too long and they’ll dry out. So how long should you boil those smoked turkey tails to perfection? Let’s break it down.

After testing countless batches and tracking cook times I’ve landed on 90 minutes as the ideal boiling time for smoked turkey tails. This gives you fork-tender meat that shreds easily without drying out. Of course, a few factors can shift that time up or down slightly depending on your specific batch.

Key Factors That Affect Smoked Turkey Tail Boil Time

Size and thickness – Larger, meatier tails will need a little longer than smaller, skinnier ones. Plan to add 15-20 extra minutes for extra thick tails

Frozen vs. thawed – Go straight from the freezer to the pot and you’ll need to tack on an extra 30-45 minutes to compensate for the frozen center. Always thaw in the fridge first for most consistent results.

Quantity – The more you boil, the longer it takes. For every 2 additional pounds, plan to boil 10-15 minutes longer.

Altitude – Higher elevations mean lower boiling temps. Add 5 extra minutes of boiling for every 1,000 feet above sea level.

Additions – Hard veggies like potatoes or carrots will increase the overall cook time. Factor in an extra 10-15 minutes if boiling with dense additions.

Step-By-Step Boiling Guide

Ready to boil? Here is my tried and true method for perfectly tender smoked turkey tails every time:

1. Prep the tails – Rinse under cold water and pat dry. Remove excess fat or skin if desired. Cut or separate into smaller pieces if very large.

2. Cover with water – Place tails in a large pot and cover fully with cold water by 2-3 inches.

3. Bring to a boil – Heat on high until the liquid reaches a rapid boil.

4. Reduce to a simmer – Once boiling, lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

5. Simmer for 90 minutes – Let tails simmer for 90 minutes, uncovered. Don’t walk away, as the water level will reduce. Add more water as needed to keep tails fully submerged.

6. Check for doneness – After 90 minutes, take out a thick piece and check for tenderness. The meat should shred easily.

7. Allow to rest – Turn off heat and let tails rest in the broth for 20-30 minutes before using as desired. The broth makes a fantastic base for beans, greens, soups and more.

Common Smoked Turkey Tail Uses

Once boiled to tender perfection, smoked turkey tails really shine when added to:

• Soulful Soups – Add to bean soups, veggie soups, or chicken soups for a smoky depth.

• Simmering Stews – Braise into beef, chicken, or veggie stews for richness.

• Collard Greens – Shred and mix into southern-style greens.

• Hoppin’ John – Toss with black eyed peas and rice for a New Year’s dish.

• Hearty Beans – Mix into pintos, red beans, or other bean dishes.

• Customize Gumbos – Throw into seafood, chicken or sausage gumbo for flavor.

• Upscale Jambalaya – Fold into jambalaya rice along with shrimp, chicken and veggies.

Helpful Hacks for the Best Boiled Turkey Tails

Follow these tips and tricks for optimal flavor and textures:

• Season the water – Add aromatics like onion, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, hot sauce or creole seasoning to the boil water.

• Skim the scum – Impurities will rise to the top as the tails cook. Skim off the foam and fat for a cleaner end result.

• Let it rest – Resting in the hot broth allows the flavors to permeate fully into the meat.

• Save the broth – Don’t throw out the broth! Use it as a base for soups, gravies or to cook rice, beans or greens.

• Shred by hand – Resist the urge to use tools. Shredding by hand gives you deliciously uneven, pulled texture.

• Finish on the stove – For extra flavor, shred the tails and crisp them right in the broth before using.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my smoked turkey tails aren’t tender after 90 minutes?
Give them another 15-20 minutes until the thickest pieces shred easily. If still tough, they may have been overly cured or smoked and will take extra time.

Can I speed up the cook time in a pressure cooker?
Absolutely! You can boil smoked turkey tails in about 35-40 minutes in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Just make sure to let them naturally release pressure.

Is it safe to eat the skin and fat?
Yes, but both the skin and excess fat can be removed after boiling if you prefer. Some people enjoy adding them back into dishes for flavor.

Can I use a smoked turkey neck instead of tails?
Smoked turkey necks can be boiled using the same method, though they tend to be meatier and may take a bit longer. Plan for around 2 hours.

How can I tell if my smoked turkey tails are fully cooked?
They should shred easily with a fork. Use a meat thermometer to double check, aiming for 165°F. The meat will look opaque throughout when fully cooked.

How should I store the leftovers?
Let the tails cool fully in the broth, then transfer to a sealed container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Boiling smoked turkey tails may sound intimidating, but follow this simple 90 minute boil and you’ll have tender, silky meat ready to enrich any number of incredible dishes. Now get cooking and savor the incredible flavors of those smoky boiled turkey tails in your next meal!